Quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble set to open, but ‘flyer beware’ remains a reality
In a new article on The Conversation, UC’s Professor Michael Plank and UoA’s Professor Shaun Hendy examine how New Zealand and Australia will manage the trans-Tasman bubble.
Provided there is no significant community outbreak in Australia, the risk of New Zealand importing cases of COVID-19 is very low. But should there be a community outbreak across the Tasman, the risk of bringing the virus into New Zealand could escalate rapidly, if travel numbers return to pre-COVID volumes.
This is why it will be critical to act swiftly if this happens.
Responding to a community outbreak
New Zealand and Australia have both had numerous outbreaks of COVID-19 originating from managed isolation facility or other border workers. Frontline border workers are being prioritised for vaccination in both countries, which will reduce the risk of this happening again. But it is still possible — and it’s therefore crucial we have a solid resurgence plan.